Wildlife Rehabilitation Award

Many people find the experience of rehabilitating native wildlife rewarding, however it is time consuming and can be very expensive. Caring for native wildlife takes a lot of experience. It is not like looking after a cat or a dog; native animals have special dietary requirements, need frequent veterinary care and strong commitment to rehabilitating the wildlife by the carer. Some native animals need highly specialised care; koalas, echidna, platypus, raptors and reptiles are some examples of animals that require high levels of expertise and a degree of specialisation. Many of these species are also threatened and their survival is highly significant.

Wildlife rehabilitators play a vital role in conservation of Australian wildlife and the Australian Wildlife Society would like to see these special carers recognised and rewarded.

Aims

The aims of the Australian Wildlife Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Award are:

To benefit the preservation of Australian wildlife by supporting volunteer wildlife rescuers and rehabilitators.

To further the Society’s commitment to preserving native wildlife by supporting volunteers who rescue and rehabilitate injured native wildlife.

To increase awareness of this area, and attract new members to the Australian Wildlife Society.

To reward smaller organisations and/or individuals who do not reach the criteria for judging of the Community Wildlife Conservation Award and the Serventy Conservation Award.

Australian Wildlife Society will provide and annual award of $1,000 to an individual or small organisation who contributes to the conservation of Australian wildlife through rescue and rehabilitation. A trophy and certificate will accompany the cash award.

Application process

The application process will be advertised online through our website and social media and through our fortnightly newsletter. It will also feature in Australian Wildlife. Applications will be received annually by 31 December.

An online application form on the Society’s website is available.

The applications would be judged by the President on the following criteria:

Benefit to conservation

The applicant holds a current rehabilitation permit

Winners will be notified by mail, and full results published in the Society’s magazine.

Announcement and presentation to the winner to be made at the AGM / luncheon along with the Serventy Award and the Community Award.

To nominate a person or an organisation for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Award, please download and mail back the PDF nomination formhere »

2018 Wildlife Rehabilitation Award

The winner of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Award for 2018 is Tehree Gordon OAM of Barwon Heads, Victoria. Tehree has been involved in Animal rescue since the age of 15, however she has been registered in Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation for over 40 years. Tehree and Hamish? opened “Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary” over 40 years ago to rescue and rehabilitate injured, distressed and orphaned wildlife whilst at the same time providing a haven for disadvantaged people of all ages. Tehree also established a special animal welfare program for the elderly, special needs and school children.

2017 Wildlife Rehabilitation Award

The winner of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Award for 2017 is Robin Crisman. Robin is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with additional degrees in Veterinary and Biomedical Science. Robin has practised for over 25 years, and in that time her work has included veterinary care of wildlife at Blackbutt Reserve and Australian Walkabout WildlifePark. Robin’s devotion to animal care and her passion for veterinary excellence makes her a worthy recipient of the 2017 Community Rehabilitation Award.MORE »

2016 Wildlife Rehabilitation Award

The winner of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Award for 2016 is Roz Holme of Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue and Wildlife Refuge. Roz, who was born and bred into wildlife and is also a trained vet nurse, takes on animals withillness or injuries that may have otherwise been euthanised.MORE »